Hundreds attend Detroit Gala, raise thousands for St. Jude

More than 400 guests gathered at the MotorCity Casino in Detroit on October 12 to support the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and honor the commitment of Domino’s, a long-time St. Jude supporter.

The St. Jude Detroit Gala, just in its second year, raised $288,000 for St. Jude. The event was led by George Simon, a member of the ALSAC/St. Jude Boards of Directors and Governors, and Manal Saab, an emeritus board member. Board member Paul Simon also attended.

Receiving a special Angel Award for their dedication to St. Jude were Domino’s CEO Patrick Doyle and his wife, Techy Rodriguez-Doyle. In the last nine years, Domino’s has helped raise more than $16 million for St. Jude, primarily through its support of the St. JudeThanks and Giving campaign. In addition, Domino’s last year announced a commitment of another $10 million for the next three years to fund the Assessment and Triage Clinic Delivered by Domino’s at the hospital.

“I am truly flattered by this recognition from this outstanding organization. Domino’s team members all across the country are thrilled to partner with St. Jude each year, and help them in their admirable efforts,” Doyle said. “We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish together so far, and we look forward to continuing to raise funds and awareness for future campaigns.”

Also honored at the event was Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radio partner 99.5 WYCD. The Detroit station has helped raise $7.1 million for St. Jude since 2000.

A highlight of the gala was a presentation by St. Jude mom Jane Fox, who spoke about her daughter Sarah’s St. Jude journey. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 1985, Sarah was treated at St. Jude and is now an ALSAC employee in Denver, Colorado.

Platinum sponsors for the event included Robinson Capital, Ghassan and Manal Saab, and U.S. Manufacturing. Silver event sponsors included Domino’s, UBS, William Goetz and Associates, and Woodworth, Inc.